NIU initiates disciplinary process for university police officers

Acting Director of Public Safety Bill Nicklas announced today that effective immediately, NIU police chief Donald Grady has been placed on administrative leave pending finalization of charges and disciplinary actions under the terms and conditions of his employment as well as university policies.

Additionally, Lt. Kartik Ramakrishnan was notified of the university’s intent to discharge him in accordance with procedures outlined in the State Universities Civil Service System’s (SUCSS) statutes and rules, which require notice and adjudication of the charges before termination is complete.

The university’s action was taken as a result of the findings of the court in the matter of The People of the State of Illinois vs. Andrew Rifkin, which termed the actions taken by the NIU Department of Police & Public Safety “egregious” and “a purposeful hiding of information.”

“The findings of the court called into question the integrity of the criminal investigatory process, and we cannot under any circumstances tolerate such clear breaches of contracts, authority and responsibility,” said NIU President John Peters. “Although it pains me greatly that the university had to take these actions today, we must always strive to do the right thing,” Peters added.

Nicklas spent the day meeting with police departmental representatives. “I want to assure the NIU community that we have strong protocols in place to continue to ensure the safety and security of the campus,” Nicklas added.

Consistent with internal protocols, there is a temporary transfer of operational authority to Deputy Chief Darren Mitchell until such time as an acting chief is named.

Earlier in the week, President Peters formally requested the Illinois State Police to assist in the review of university law enforcement protocols and procedures.